Lawton’s past and future collide in Downtown Lawton, where established retailers sit comfortably beside a high-tech business center promising innovation for the future. When people walk along the neighborhood’s C Avenue, the city’s de facto main street, longtime storefronts like Edward's Men's Wear – established in 1954 – live across the street from FISTA, a business accelerator that supports business in the aerospace and defense industries. The opportunity and amenities available here help attract people to the area’s varied inventory of homes. “There are things to do around there because most of the area is zoned commercial,” says Heaven Speirs, a local Realtor with Park Jones Realty and a Lawton native. “Housing tends to be less expensive here compared to homes on the edges of town."
Lawton residents are free to explore the 143-acre Elmer Thomas Park.
Prairie dogs frequently make appearances in Lawton.
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Homes hold plenty of character
Downtown Lawton's home inventory can’t be described as cookie-cutter. While the core of downtown, around C Avenue, is mostly commercial, the area fans out into residential blocks with houses that date as far back as the early 20th century, around the time when Lawton was founded. There’s no telling what a turn down one of downtown’s blocks may reveal — the area has everything from bungalows under 1,000 square feet to multistory, brick colonials over 3,000 square feet. Many of the homes have evolved over time, too. “Most of the homes that have been well-maintained have been expanded and modified over time,” Speirs says. “So you’ll get a house that has quirky and unique architecture because it started as something small and was adapted to modern living.”
Most properties rest on narrow lots with fenced-in backyards. The variety of styles here lends to a wide range of pricing. Investors, or those who don’t mind putting in elbow grease, can find properties in need of work from $10,000 to $50,000. Options that are more move-in ready may be priced anywhere from $80,000 to $300,000 depending on the square footage. There are some rental properties in the area as well, some of which may be appealing to members of the military arriving for neighboring Fort Sill. The base includes field artillery schools for the Army and the Marines and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Downtown Lawton features early 20th-century homes, with each street uniquely diverse.
Beautiful colonial homes with multiple stories are common in Downtown Lawton.
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There’s plenty to see along C Avenue
Downtown Lawton’s C Avenue is a peek into Lawton’s past, complete with the slanted spaces on either side of the road for people to park, just like they were decades ago. Eddie Hamra, owner of Edward’s Men’s Wear, has seen the strip evolve over time, though. His shop was once located on the opposite side of the street from its current spot, before the Central Plaza Mall was built in 1979. The mall houses retailers like JCPenney and Hibbett Sports. Edward’s has continued to carve out its niche and is known for its selection of suits. “People have the tendency to think if you’re the only guy in town then you’re not trying. Trust me, we’re trying. Seventy years tells you we’re trying,” Hamra says. “So, we’re in an unusual place. We don’t have a lot of competition. Many of the brands I carry, I’m exclusive with.” Burgess Grill, less than mile away, nearly matches Edward’s with more than 60 years in business. “It’s a staple in Lawton,” says local Realtor Terri Strecker of RE/MAX, who has almost 20 years of real estate experience. The spot's burgers have won multiple awards as the best in Lawton. Burgess is across the road from Brame Elite Cigars & Member Lounge, a spot that’s been open 15 years and touts the largest selection of imported and hand-rolled cigars between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Buffalo Grove Coffee Company is a well-liked space full of comfy chairs to sit and relax in with a cup of coffee. “You can just come in, hang out with your friends, or find a little quiet corner to sit and do your business, schoolwork, whatever it is that you need to do,” says owner Kandi Roeske.
Downtown’s local stalwarts intermingle with FISTA, which is connected to the mall and opened in 2023. A space for defense contractors, FISTA is projected to bring in more than 200 tech jobs in the coming years, benefiting from its location just about 5 miles from Fort Sill. “There’s a lot of stuff going on here,” says local Realtor Barbara Clark, of Barbara Clark Realty, and has 14 years of real estate experience. “Lawton has lots of room to grow.” Downtown is also home to the Comanche County Courthouse and city hall, which is housed in an imposing Greek Revival-style building that used to be Lawton High. Those looking to test their luck have the Comanche Nation Casino the Apache Casino Hotel, on the outskirts of downtown. “They have events there, like comedy, concerts,” Clark says. “They’ve really stepped it up, and draw people to Lawton.” Downtown Lawton’s CAP Index Crime Score is 6 out of 10, slightly above the national average.
Residents of Downtown Lawton get their suits at Edward’s.
Central Plaza Lawton in Downtown is a popular shopping mall with various stores.
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Arts for All is a big attraction
There’s no shortage of community events for locals each year, from the fireworks of the Freedom Festival around the Fourth of July to the lights of Holiday in the Park in November and December. Arts for All, a three-day art and music showcase in May, is another standout. “It really brings a lot of great artists in, not just local but from around this area,” Hamra says. “Texas, Arkansas, Kansas. A lot of people come in for this, and an event, I think, we look the most forward to each year.”
Schools like Whittier Elementary come close by
The Lawton Public Schools system has a B grade on Niche. Some in the area start at Whittier Elementary, a B-minus-rated school tucked in between a cluster of homes. Whittier offers before- and after-school programming. It’s also close enough for families to walk their kids to school. “People like that,” Clark says. Students can then participate in sports ranging from cross country to soccer at the B-rated Central Middle. Extracurricular activities at the B-minus-rated Lawton High include an Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association academic team. Other education opportunities in the area include Great Plains Technology Center, where students can hone a trade, and Cameron University, a public university with over 50 programs. “We get people from other countries, and Cameron draws in a lot of students,” says Clark.
Whittier Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
The Lawton High School offers the Lawton neighborhood a dynamic learning environment.
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Prairie dogs, and people, take advantage of Elmer Thomas Park
Peruse Elmer Thomas Park’s rolling hills and visitors are likely to find quite a few furry critters around. This 143-acre space is known in part as a haven for prairie dogs, a type of squirrel. It also offers a sizable covered playground, a splash pad, a lake that’s open to fishing and walking trails. “I think it’s one of the few parks that people know by name,” Speirs says. “If someone’s going to go to a park to walk or hang out with their family, that is probably where they’re going to go. You'll see a variety of runners, joggers, families with strollers, people walking their dogs - folks from all walks of life.” Locals looking for a bit of a getaway can take the 20-mile trip up to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a roughly 60,000-acre expanse with mountain views and opportunities for hiking, fishing and more. “Many of the locals will plan day trips at the mountains to look at the wildlife, hike, picnic, and enjoy nature.” Speirs says. “Visitors can check out the Visitors Center at the refuge to learn about local animals and the history of the area.”
You can easily spot cute prairie dogs in Downtown Lawton.
The tank at Elmer Thomas Park is a favorite climbing spot for kids.
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Interstate 44 connects Downtown Lawton to the greater region
Lawton commuters have quick access to Interstate 44, which is a starting point for trips to Oklahoma City, just under 90 miles away. Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport offers commercial flights on American Airlines and is about 2 miles from downtown. Lawton Area Transit System has five bus routes that run throughout the city.
Downtown Lawton is near I-44, which connects residents to the surrounding region.
Downtown Lawton has multiple bus stops on five routes by Lawton Area Transit.
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On average, homes in Downtown Lawton, Lawton sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Lawton, Lawton over the last 12 months is $92,500, up 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Property Id: 1492391We to your to your perfect urban retreat! This charming 450 sq ft studio apartment offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Here's what makes this apartment a fantastic choice:**Spacious Living Area**: The open-concept design maximizes the 450 sq ft space, providing a versatile living area that can be easily adapted to your personal style and needs.-
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